Information is empowering the PA

Online information helping to establish a new generation of personal assistants

PRLog - Dec. 18, 2012 - The abundance of information available online, from weather patterns abroad to the rules of etiquette in different locations globally, has helped to establish a new generation of personal assistants – people who use general information to make the lives of their bosses easier.

HR experts say that executive level leadership within companies are looking to hire personal assistants who not only have ICT skill sets, but can utilise these skills to source relevant and accurate information to help manage the office.

These are the small matters, the trivial things that also require attention, but do not necessarily have to be done personally by the executive in charge. These tasks could be left to the PA who could use technology and information to be proactive, take initiative and manage these responsibilities.

“Managers of businesses want to employ personal assistants who possess the confidence and skills to gather information, if and when necessary, to take care of day-to-day tasks in the office that will alleviate some of the pressure felt by the 21st century executive,” explains Teryl Schroenn, CEO of Accsys.

The company is a member of the Business Connexion Group (BCX) and a national supplier of people management software and hardware solutions within the HR, payroll and time & attendance space.

For example, a forward-thinking and competitive PA, knowing his or her boss has a trip abroad scheduled, could look up weather conditions at the destination and email an advisory message on what ought to be packed.

“It is a small thing, really, but it removes one of the many items that the executive would have otherwise had to pay attention to. By simply taking a bit of initiative and accessing information, the PA has added measurable value,” Schroenn adds.

According to published statistics, the current rate of unemployment in South Africa stands at over 25%.

Schroenn says that in a market with that level of unemployment, it makes sense to approach job opportunities with a sense of determination to do much more than “what is simply required or that which forms part of official job specifications”

“It is important that employees continue to use resources available – including information - to add more value to their roles and responsibilities. “ Schroenn adds.